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Dementia With HIV


The Basics


Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is HIV-associated dementia? " � Dementia is a brain disorder that causes thinking and memory problems, plus problems with movement or emotions. These problems make it hard to work or do other daily activities. People who have a virus called "HIV " � can sometimes get dementia. When doctors do not find any other cause for dementia in people with HIV, it is called "HIV-associated dementia. " � � �
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It attacks the bodys infection-fighting system, called the "immune system. " � It can cause many different problems, including dementia. � �
What are the symptoms of HIV-associated dementia? " � The symptoms of HIV-associated dementia can start very mild and get worse slowly. Early symptoms can include mild problems with reading, understanding or remembering things, or doing simple math. � �
More severe symptoms include: � �
  • Thinking or understanding things more slowly than before
  • Walking or moving more slowly than before
  • Worse memory problems
  • Problems speaking

People who have HIV-associated dementia might also have: � �
  • Trouble walking steadily or keeping their balance
  • Leg weakness
  • Shaking (doctors call this "tremor " �)
  • Less energy than usual " � A person who has HIV-associated dementia might not be as interested in doing things as before.
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Less emotion than usual " � A person who has HIV-associated dementia might not care about things or show emotion like he or she used to.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � Yes. See a doctor or nurse if you think you or someone close to you might have HIV-associated dementia. The symptoms are sometimes caused by other medical conditions that doctors can treat. Doctors can also give you advice or medicines to help with symptoms. � �
Is there a test for HIV-associated dementia? " � No, there is no one test. The doctor or nurse can do an exam, ask questions, and decide which tests are best for your individual situation. � �
If a person with HIV has symptoms of dementia, doctors might do a CT scan or MRI of the brain. These are imaging tests that create pictures of the inside of the brain. They can help doctors tell if symptoms are caused by HIV or a different condition. Another possible test is called a lumbar puncture (also called a "spinal tap " �). In this procedure, a doctor puts a thin needle into a person's lower back and takes out a small amount of spinal fluid. Lab tests of the fluid can tell the doctor more about what might be causing dementia symptoms. � �
How is HIV-associated dementia treated? " � The main treatment is a group of medicines to treat the HIV. Doctors call these medicines "antiretroviral medicines. " � � �
If you have HIV, you probably take antiretroviral medicines already. Your doctor might give you different medicines if you start to get dementia. He or she will do regular exams, talk to you about your condition, and do tests to see how you are doing. � �
People who have HIV-associated dementia sometimes also get depressed. Doctors can give medicines to treat the depression. If you take these medicines, the doctor or nurse will check often to make sure they are working correctly and not making you feel sick. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83082 Version 3.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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